Cal Lord: God can help  he has a birds-eye view

Thursday

Nov 7, 2013 at 7:11 PMNov 7, 2013 at 7:11 PM

I thought to myself that this must be the view they get from heaven. I looked down from section 314, and I could see the whole field. My friend, Tiffani, warned me that the seats were going to be in the “nosebleed” section, but I didn't care. I was at my very first pro football game. My Pittsburgh Steelers were playing. I was just glad to be in the house.

I watched the players come onto the field, and I immediately understood why the numbers on the back of their jerseys were so big. Big Ben's number 7 stood right out. You could see him no matter where he went. With 68,000 screaming fans, and no commentator telling you what is happening, you have to be able to figure it out on your own.

As I sat there watching the game, it struck me that it is a lot easier to second-guess the players and coaches when you can see the whole field. You don't have to worry about being blind-sided by a linebacker you never saw coming. Your view is never blocked by a gigantic defensive end who has his hands in your face.

I guess that is why there are so many Monday morning quarterbacks who can tell you what the team should have done. The spectators are watching the game from the comfort of their couch or from a seat above the field. With replays and a little distance, you can see the game more clearly. It is so much easier to make good decisions when you can see the big picture.

I think that is why God calls on us to turn to him when we need guidance or direction. He sees things from above. When challenges come and it seems like we have nowhere to go, he can show us the way.

There is a great choral anthem written by Pepper Choplin that says, "Sometimes I worry and wish I could see what lies ahead, what the future will be. But God calls me on to follow in faith, and he’ll take tomorrow if I give him today. I don’t know the future and all that’s in store, so I’ll take one step, one step, to follow my Lord."

It is too late for the Steelers. They were beaten badly by the Patriots. It is not too late for you and me. So whatever your situation, call on God so he can give you some help from above. Then the victory will be yours.

God bless. See you in church.

The Rev. Cal Lord, a Norwich resident, serves as pastor at Central Baptist Church of Westerly. Reach him at calstigers@gmail.com.